Earth Globes are spheroid shaped objects that as much as possible, accurately represent the major land masses and water bodies of our planet. Photos are required for new waymarks. One photo should be a close up of the globe and the second of the globe in its environment.

Expanded Description:

The Greek scholar Eratosthenes is believed to be the first individual to determine that our planet is a sphere. Earth is actually an oblate spheroid which is a sphere that is “squished” along its vertical axes (the North and South poles) and “bulges” around its center (the equator).

For centuries, cartographers have been recording the surface of our planet onto maps. A map of the Earth is a representation of the physical surface of our spheroid planet onto a flat surface. To create such maps one must rely on map projections, of which there are many different types. However all map projections distort the surfaces on a sphere.

A globe on the other hand, is the only way to accurately represent the surface of the Earth with a constant scale along all directions.

What is included in this category:

Stationary or rotating Earth Globes that as much as possible accurately represent, whether historical in nature or current, the surface of our planet. Examples of such include:

Earth Globes that accurately depict the current position of our planet’s land masses and water bodies,

Earth Globes that depict what cartographers believed at that point in time to be the position, size or shape of land masses and water bodies on our planet,

Earth Globes that depict the position of land masses and water bodies throughout time (e.g. those that depict continental drift),

Earth Globes mounted on Atlas Statues or similar figures will be accepted only if the details of the globe are featured in the waymark.

What is not included in this category:

Small handheld/moveable globes located in bookstores, libraries, schools or the like for which their primary purpose is as a teaching/reference tool,

Earth Globes that do not include land masses or water bodies that are affixed to Atlas sculptures,

Partial Earth Globes such as those that may project from the side of a building as they are not a full sphere.

Instructions for Posting a Earth Globes Waymark:

Find an Earth Globe that includes land masses, is permanently affixed to a structure and provide the co-ordinates of the globe.

Indicate whether the globe is stationary or if it rotates along an axis.

Where possible, indicate if the land masses depicted on the globe are historical in nature or are as close to an actual representation of the Earth as it is today, if land masses depict relief (elevation) and if land masses and major water bodies are named.

Instructions for Visiting a Waymark in this Category:

To log a visit to an Earth Globe Waymark, provide proof of your physical visit - no virtual visits please. Proof can be in the form of an original photo that you have taken of the globe, or a description of the globe and of your visit. Any additional information that you can provide about the globe is always welcome.

Category Settings:

Waymarks can be added to this category

New waymarks of this category are reviewed by the category group prior to being published